The Government of Tanzania has stepped up measures to strengthen the management of foreign employment in the country, aiming to ensure that all foreign workers operate within the law and hold valid permits, Parliament was told in Dodoma on June 23, 2026.
The statement was made by the Deputy Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Evaline Munisi, while responding to a question from John John Nchimbi, who had raised concern over foreign experts entering Tanzania on short-term Business Visas that are not formally recognized as work permits under labour regulations.
Dr. Munisi explained that under the Employment and Labour Relations legislation, Chapter 436, work permits are issued to foreign nationals who have formal employment contracts with companies or institutions operating in Tanzania.
She said these permits are the official legal requirement for any foreigner engaged in long-term employment in the country.
She clarified that the Immigration Department issues Business Visas valid for up to three months for foreign experts who come to Tanzania to undertake short-term assignments.
These include technical support, professional consultancy, training, and installation or commissioning of equipment and machinery.
Dr. Munisi emphasized that such assignments do not constitute formal employment relationships under Tanzanian law, but are temporary professional engagements with specific time limits and conditions.
She told Parliament that the Office of the Prime Minister – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities is working closely with the Immigration Department to ensure strict compliance with visa conditions.
The goal, she said, is to prevent misuse of Business Visas while still allowing the country to benefit from necessary technical expertise.
She added that the government has strengthened coordination between relevant institutions to ensure that foreign experts do not exceed the scope of activities allowed under their entry permits. This coordination is also aimed at improving monitoring and enforcement in the labour sector.
At the same time, Dr. Munisi said the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Labour and Employment has directed labour officers across the country to increase public awareness among employers, companies, institutions, and organizations that hire foreign workers.
The awareness campaigns are intended to ensure that all stakeholders fully understand the legal procedures for hiring foreign workers and the importance of compliance with national labour laws.
Dr. Munisi also raised concern over the activities of illegal intermediaries who assist in bringing foreign workers into the country outside approved procedures.
She said some of these individuals help facilitate entry and work arrangements that violate immigration and labour regulations.
She further noted that in some cases, foreign workers are taken out of the country after their permits expire and later re-enter using new visas, allowing them to continue working unlawfully. She described these practices as deliberate attempts to bypass the law.
The government, she stressed, will not hesitate to take strong legal action against any person, company, or institution found violating foreign employment regulations.
She said strict enforcement is necessary to protect national interests and ensure fairness in the labour market.
“Every country has its own laws and procedures that must be respected. Tanzania’s laws must be followed by all,” she emphasized, adding that enforcement agencies will act firmly against offenders.
In conclusion, Dr. Munisi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Office of the Prime Minister, the Immigration Department, and other relevant authorities to improve oversight of foreign employment.
She said the ongoing coordination will ensure that all foreign nationals working in Tanzania comply with visa requirements and legal procedures, a move aimed at protecting jobs for Tanzanians while ensuring that the country continues to benefit from legitimate foreign expertise.
